The Army Needs Unmanned Systems Competence Across the Force—and It Already Has the Mechanism to Create It

Modern War Institute | Jesse J. Clark

The United States Army must rapidly scale tactical literacy in unmanned systems across its entire force to survive on modern, transparent battlefields. Command Sergeant Major Jesse J. Clark argues that the service should integrate small unmanned aircraft systems, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and unmanned ground vehicles into its existing Expert Infantryman, Expert Soldier, and Expert Field Medical Badge (E3B) qualification frameworks.

This integration leverages established training infrastructure, trainers, and unit preparation time to generate thousands of repetitions without creating a costly new training enterprise. E3B modernization would establish a common baseline of tactical principles rather than platform-specific technical skills. Medical personnel would also participate, reflecting the universal threat of unmanned systems during casualty evacuation. Ultimately, the Army has a narrow window to execute these changes before the next large-scale combat operation. Equipment alone is insufficient. Only trained soldiers create true combat capability.

Comment

Integrating unmanned systems into the E3B qualification framework represents a fundamental shift in how the US Army defines basic soldier lethality. By treating small unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS tools as baseline requirements rather than specialised capabilities, the service codifies the reality of a transparent electromagnetic and physical battlefield. This doctrinal evolution moves beyond the transformation in contact initiative by institutionalising tactical drone literacy at the individual level. Consequently, the traditional distinction between specialised aviation assets and frontline infantry squads within formations like the 2d Cavalry Regiment is rapidly dissolving.

This decentralisation of unmanned capabilities directly impacts downstream tactical logistics within brigade combat teams. As thousands of soldiers qualify on these systems through E3B lanes, the demand for battery charging infrastructure, field-level maintenance, and organic radio frequency management will surge at the platoon level. Ultimately, the success of this training pivot depends on whether the US Army can field standardised, ruggedised power solutions to sustain systems like the RQ-28A quadcopter during high-intensity operations.

Strategic Question for Discussion

If the US Army successfully integrates unmanned systems into the E3B qualification framework, how will brigade-level logistics cope with the resulting surge in battery charging and radio frequency management demands during contested operations?

The trajectory indicates that scaling these capabilities through E3B will force a shift toward decentralised, renewable power generation at the tactical edge. Brigade combat teams will likely struggle to sustain high-tempo drone operations without organic, field-level battery harvesting systems. Consequently, tactical success will depend as much on energy logistics as on individual operator proficiency.

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